Being born before the age of HIV and other sexually transmissible infections, such as chlamydia, many older women commencing new relationships for the first time in 25 years forget about applying safer sex rules.
For those who weren’t brought up with safer sex messages, there are some useful guidelines for prevention of STIs:
Have a check-up for STIs before having sex
Use condoms and dams (latex rubber sheets used for oral sex)
Talk to partners about sexual health
Limit the number of sexual partners
The good news
There is no physical reason why you can’t enjoy a safe, happy and satisfying sex life. Your sexual drive can be influenced by the changes you experience as you age but understanding these changes, and becoming comfortable in knowing how to deal with them, will make a difference. And the good news is that many older women actually find that their sex lives improve as they become more comfortable with their bodies and who they are.
It is important that society frees older women from sexual taboos, stereotypes and misconceptions as a way of trying to control their sexuality and sexual behaviour. With information and support, women can challenge negative social attitudes and continue to enjoy and express their sexuality in their own way.
